“I wasn’t necessarily trying to hide. From you,” I said as I came out from behind the bleachers to confront her.
“So is that how it’s going to be from now on? You following me where ever I go?”
“I like answers to questions,” I admitted. “You’re a question.”
“A question,” she laughed, Then pouted in a way I was forced to look at her mouth. “I thought I was more than that to you.”
“Don’t,” I warned her. “Don’t play your games with me. Not after what you did. I’m too smart for that and you know it.”
She lost her pout immediately. “What do you want, Locke?”
“I want to help you,” I said honestly. Because it was the truth. I knew she was in something over her head. What, was still a mystery, but it didn’t take much to realize she was barely a step ahead of real trouble.
“I didn’t ask for it.”
“I know. That’s something I’ve learned about you. You would never ask for it. You would neveraskfor anything, would you? Which is why I’m going to do it anyway.”
“Do what?”
“Save you.”
Laughing again, she tilted her beautiful head, her dark heavy hair falling down her back. Her throat exposed, which made me think of biting in a suddenly disturbing way.
Irene Adler was too much. Too beautiful. Too sexy. Too vibrant.
Too…alive.
Reaching for her, touching her, holding on to her…it was like trying to hold on to a live electric wire. Sure you knew you were going to get burned in the end, but the electricity coursing through your body was so exhilarating at the time.
I knew from experience.
Finally, she said. “I can save myself, Locke.”
“Why do I think you’re lying. To both of us.”
“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from me. You said it. I’m nothing but a tease.”
I had said. I’d meant it. I just didn’t know if I was right.
I took a step toward her, answering the challenge. “Is that really whatyouwant?”
She hesitated. Ever so briefly, but it was there, and I heard it.
“Yes,” she said eventually. Then she started to walk backward away from me, back across the football field. “Stop following me or I’ll report you for stalking.”
I watched her turn and jog into the gym. Where, hopefully, she would warm up.
“Liar,” I said to the now empty field. “I’m coming for you, Irene. For you and all of your secrets.”
* * *
Later That Afternoon
Beth
I was sittingon the couch in Fitz’s playroom with a book in my lap, while my legs were sprawled over Fitz’s. He also had a book open, which he’d propped against my thighs.
I watched him for a minute and realized he was completely spaced out.
